Easy Mint Chimichurri

March24

Mint Chimichurri Mama's High Strunt

Put down that bottle of Mint Jelly… those lamb chops are screaming for something much sexier: Mint Chimichurri.

C’mon, you know what chimichurri is, right? It’s that tangy, garlic-infused parsley-based sauce-like condiment that is a must-have on every table in Argentina. For a split second a few years back, chimichurri was the darling of every chef and on every menu in every restaurant everywhere.

Okay, I’m exaggerating a little. But, I’ve just made standard chimichurri a bit more interesting by substituting fresh mint for the parsley to create an easy to make Mint Chimichurri. The mint brings a sunny, spring-like freshness to this sauce while still keeping the heat. And, yes, it IS gluten-free!

Double this Easy Mint Chimichurri recipe because, once you taste it, you’re going to want to slather it on everything from scrambled eggs, to hamburgers to roasted asparagus!

And if you need help with the lamb chops, here’s my recipe for Roasted Rack of Lamb.

 

Hatch Chile Aïoli with Fried Green Tomatoes

September9

Hatch Green Chile Aioli with Fried Green Tomatoes

Here’s one recipe you really need to know how to make: aïoli (pronounced “eye-oh-lee”).

Why do you need this creamy garlic-infused sauce in your kitchen know-how arsenal? Because it’s one of those condiments that can bring a little zip to so many dishes… and there are little ways you can change it to give it a bit more “WOW.”

Like when I added a few roasted Hatch Chiles.

I made Fried Green Tomatoes to go with my Hatch Chile Aïoli. But you can serve this full-flavored sauce with fish or chicken… or add a spoonful or two on top of fresh steamed vegetables to give them a kick.

Making aïoli is similar to making homemade mayonnaise, but a lot easier if you use a food processor or blender. Speaking of mayo, I sometimes use Hatch Chile Aïoli instead of mayonnaise in potato salad for a real taste sensation!

 

Like this recipe? Then you’ll love Red Chile Sauce (Salsa de Chile Guajillo)

Shrimp and Sweet Onion Pickle

May28

Oh my gosh…

I made the most delicious appetizer over the weekend that took me right back to my Southern roots: Shrimp and Sweet Onion Pickle.

Shrimp and Sweet Onion Pickle. It's a little spicy and very pickle-y.

A little spicy and very pickle-y, this little condiment adds a tangy punch to everything. I ladled the chilled Shrimp and Sweet Onion Pickle into half-pint Mason jars and passed around little forks. Some of us ate it right out of the jar (including me), while a few rolled it into a tortilla (you can also spoon it on top of crackers).

I used Vidalia onions, but Walla Walla onions or any other sweet onion is a good option. If all you’ve got is white or yellow onions, you’ll definitely be adding a sharp, astringent bite to the pickle.

I’m sure you rolled your eyes when you saw the Mason jars in the image… because that trend is so last year five years ago. But hey, you’ve got to admit the little containers are a great way to serve some things and still make a fun addition to the table!


Plated + Served: Classic Shrimp Cocktail

December3

There is something so elegant about Classic Shrimp Cocktail… I dare say, even glamorous.

 Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Maybe it’s the presentation: Huge shrimp perched on the side of a fancy glass, waiting to be delicately dipped into a pool of spicy cocktail sauce.

A great shrimp cocktail starts with shrimp that are perfectly cooked and then chilled quickly so they don’t become rubbery. The sauce is equally important, with just enough kick to balance the sweetness of the shrimp.

This is an easy, and always impressive, appetizer you can make year round. But for all its simplicity, the holidays always seem to make this old-school favorite even more special.

 

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Hi…
I’m Christina Chavez

I was a TV journalist for many years, but with a house full of kids I decided to come off the road, go to culinary school and follow my passion for cooking. Mama’s High Strung is all about food… everything from creative recipe ideas to some really cool kitchen gadgets and cooking tips. I live in Chicago, but I love to travel and write about my food discoveries! You can reach me by email: mamashighstrung@gmail.com